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NUPGE launches the second year of recognition for community social service workers.
Ottawa (19 Oct. 2009) - 
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) will observe Friday, Nov. 6, 2009 as the second annual Community Social Service Workers Appreciation Day in Canada.
The union is urging everyone to mark the occasion by taking time to appreciate the contribution these workers make to strengthen communities and families across the country.
"These members work hard to provide services that ensure a decent standard of living for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities," says NUPGE president James Clancy.
"The work they do is critical but it often goes unrecognized. This occasion gives us all an opportunity to show our appreciation for the contribution these workers make to the daily lives of countless families and communities across our country," he says.
The idea for the day originated at a 2007 NUPGE conference of community-based social service workers. It was envisaged as a day to focus attention on the importance of the sector to the well-being of the country and to acknowledge the contributions these workers make.
Campaign tool kit
To support workplaces participating in the day of recognition, NUPGE has created a campaign tool kit that includes ideas for local events, a draft municipal resolution to acknowledge the day, a colourful poster, information leaflets for local distribution and a postcard to the Prime Minister. Contact NUPGE to order these materials.
A website devoted to community social service workers also includes resources to help organize appreciation day events. Everything from posters, media releases, sample resolutions, videos, news, and research is readily available at cssworkerscare.ca
The website is also an interactive site where workers can discuss common issues and share resources. Workers are urged to take part in the website and contribute stories, pictures, videos, and ideas. The site is also a space to share events and campaigns that support community social service workers and their clients.
Already, the cities of Fredericton and Halifax have passed formal proclamations resolving to acknowledge Nov. 6 as Community Social Service Workers Appreciation Day.
Officials in Charlottetown and Moncton have also written to NUPGE expressing support for the day.
These early endorsements are encouraging for workers organizing events in these cities. The event provides an opportunity to reach out to mayors and municipal councillors that are supportive.
NUPGE is encouraging all cities, towns and municipal councils to adopt resolutions recognizing the occasion.
The first annual appreciation day in 2008 was a great start. More than 70 towns, municipalities and cities passed resolutions laying the groundwork for this year.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE